digital camera reccomendations please

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Newsgroups:  comp.os.linux.misc
Date:        Thu, 13 Nov 2003 10:31:36 -0600

>I need to buy a *CHEAP* digital camera to publish some photos on a
>website and to print a small booklet.

>Could you recommend a model?

Don't get *CHEAP* - especially for printing. Don't buy less than 2 megapixels - preferably, the more the merrier.

>Finally - I would prefer to give my money to a company which pays some
>attention to Linux.

Don't know who that would be, but my preference is for people who make _cameras_ instead of companies that make _computers_. This preferences means choosing Kodak, Olympus, Fuji over Sony, HP, Gateway….

Last time I checked, all three of those photographic manufacturers have been getting awards for their cameras.

A favorite camera of mine has been the Kodak DC240/280 which is now off the market and can be had used for $100 or $200 I think.

My current favorite is the Fuji FinePix S602 - which is just now getting into the used market.

I have rule I abide by when looking at new digital cameras: don't buy anything that sells for less than $100. Those (right now anyway) are invariably sub-megapixel cameras.

2.1 Megapixels will produce quality 4x6 prints; 5x7s are visibly blocky.

Most cameras are supported by gphoto - which is a fantastic piece of software.

Also avoid "digital zoom" like the plague - get OPTICAL zoom. If you want the possibility of using off-camera flash and other such accessories, look for a hot shoe.

David Douthitt

digital camera reccomendations please

>Could you recommend a model?

Olympus makes several great models with larger lens (equivalent to 35mm of f2.8, I believe) which produce well balanced color.

Now about the compatibility with Linux: If you buy a camera which has a memory card for which you can get an adapter, either USB or in my case a PCMCIA to work in my laptop, you can transfer the pics immediately to your computer since the card will act as another drive. I use both PCMCIA -> Compact Flash and a PCMCIA -> Smart Media adapters and they work great in my laptop. If you have a desktop then perhaps there is a USB reader adapter.

Edwin Johnson